Développement

Développement is a French noun meaning the process of growth, progression, or unfolding of something over time. It is used across disciplines to denote change toward a more mature, complex, or advantageous state. The verb développer means to unfold, expand, or develop.

In economics and development studies, développement refers to efforts and processes that raise living standards and structural transformation. Development economics analyzes growth, poverty reduction, and institutional change; the Human Development Index is a widely cited measure of health, education, and income.

In biology, development describes the organism’s growth from fertilization to adulthood, including cell differentiation and organ formation (ontogeny and embryology).

In technology, software development is the discipline of designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software products. Product development covers bringing new offerings to market, often using iterative methodologies such as agile and DevOps.

In urban planning and culture, development may refer to planned changes in landscapes, neighborhoods, or institutions, balancing economic growth with social and environmental considerations.